Chapter II

Surprisingly early the council hall's portal opened again, but Kozmotis wasn't about to complain. He watched the procession of nobles walk pass him without taking notice of his presence as he was sitting in their backs, partly concealed by shadows. The two Archmages in their traditional blue robes were among the last to arrive in the garden, and swiftly Kozmotis jumped to his feet.

"Honored Archmages, a word?" He asked friendly, when he approached them.

Both men turned around, Ombric Shalazar smiling. "Ah, Lord Pitchiner. If you wish to ask for our services, Trismegistus and I have decided that the sages' guild will outfit all Atlantian soldiers, as you suggested at no cost."

This was good new indeed; at least one thing he didn't need to worry about anymore. "Thank you, Archmages, you have my gratitude and that of my men. However that is not the only thing I'd like to discuss with you. I fear defeating the shadows in battle will not be enough to keep Atlantis permanently safe."

Trismegistus, who was already an elderly man, with a pointy silver beard, stroke said feature thoughtfully. "Speak your mind, captain."

Kozmotis took a deep breath, quickly gathering his thoughts. He had considered how to explain them while he'd waited. "If they truly are the embodiment of men's fears, they should be technically immortal, so even if their bodies are destroyed, the shadows probably take form again and return to plague us. Frankly, I believe the only way to permanently subdue them is to lock them away." On their journey back to Atlantis, Kozmotis had told Nereus the same, the other captain however had insisted that killing the Dream Pirates sufficed. Hopefully the mages thought differently.

"A prison for shadows." Ombric concluded. "No surprise you seek the help of mages. Unfortunately it will be difficult for us to design the proper spells and incantations, without examining one such shadow."

"Which reminds me: Lord Pitchiner, did the shadow you question ever attempted to escape?"

He blinked, slightly confused. "No; I assumed it'd given up."

The sages looked at each other again, before Trismegistus slowly began. "Perhaps it couldn't use its abilities in close proximity to the swords. After all their flesh became solid and could be cut during battle, thanks to the enchantments."

"True." Ombric agreed, and turned back to the captain. "Though if we wish to imprison then, the spell we use for our weapon's enchantment must be modified."

The other mage continued his thought. "Weaken them, take their powers without destroying them. I'm certain it can be done; we should make it guild priority."

Nodding, Ombric turned to the captain. "Lord Pitch, I would like to join you on your next mission against the Dream Pirates, to examine one myself."

Kozmotis smiled, and briefly bowed. "I'd be honored, Archmage."

The other sage's expression grew more serious. "Furthermore, we need a suitable location for their prison. I think we all agree that it cannot be on Atlantis itself, should ever a spell fail, or the shadows escape for some reason." They did agree; anything else was out of the question.

As a captain of the Golden Fleet, Kozmotis knew the waters of Atlantis like the back of his hand. "There are countless uninhabited and desolated islands within our sea's borders. One of them will surely suffice. I hope the future High General will not hinder our efforts; my best hope is that Nereus will be appointed, though he doubts it." Both sages exchanged a glance. "You already know who's going to be appointed, do you not?" He was eager to asked, but wouldn't; he was not allowed to know until the official announcement.

Ombric was choosing his words carefully. "We can't tell you, as you are no doubt aware, but we think he will actually support us in our action."

"A relief to know." True, his heart felt much lighter.

Trismegistus narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. "Out of curiosity, captain, have you ever wanted to become the High General yourself?"

"Actually I have never entertained the thought. It was miraculous enough when I became captain for the house Sagittarius." Kozmotis though t about it for a while. "I suspect there would be resistance from some houses…It is problematic if you can't count on your allies, especially given this new situation…but these thoughts are merely hypothetical, and with all due respect, I'd rather discuss the location for the prison."

"Then maybe we should move this meeting to the library." Ombric proposed. "I'm certain there we will be provided with the necessary charts, for our work."

That night was peaceful, the sky was clear, and the moon shone brightly upon Atlantis. There was very little wind, and while in the meadows crickets chirped, somewhere in the vast garden around the villa an owl hooted, its golden eyes piercing through the night.

In the villa, Kozmotis suddenly found himself sitting upright in his bed, the blanket having slipped down to his hip. Cold sweat was running down his face and bare torso as he panted heavily, and he ran a hand over his face. Beside him Amina stirred. "Kozmo, you're alright?" She murmured still half asleep.

He was trying to calm his breathing. "It… it was just a nightmare."

Amina sat up, and put a comforting hand on his biceps. "The shadows? What have you dreamed?"

"I shouldn't bother you with…"

"I insist." Amina interrupted him.

Kozmotis sighed, before he began slowly, with a low voice. "I saw Atlantis destroyed. The sky was darkened by smoke, and clouds of ashes. In the harbor the ships were burning, while the city itself lay in ruins. Her people had been slaughtered, and the only sound I could hear was cruel laughter." With a hand he ran through his hair. "Nothing but the cruel laughter of shadows, echoing in my head… When I came here, our home had crumbled…"

Gently Amina kissed his shoulder as he stopped. "Tell me."

For the first time he turned his head to her. "You were already on the other side by the time I had found you." His voice sounded hoarse, and he put his own hand upon hers; his was cold by comparison. "You died, and there was nothing I could have done."

She snuggled closer to him. "Don't fear for me; there is no place safer than Atlantis."

"There is always the possibility that an enemy reaches us even here, and who knows what powers the shadows truly possess."

"But next time you'll be prepared for them." Kozmotis nodded, and gently clenched her hand. After a few moments of silence Amina spoke again. "You once told me, fear was necessary for a soldier."

"Yes, a certain amount keeps your senses keen; it stops you from taking unnecessary risks, and bringing others and yourself in danger. Too much or too little is what's truly dangerous. What will be the cost if it grows too much?"

She sighed, and answered in the most soothing of voices. "I don't know what comfort I can give you, but the Kozmotis I know has overcome anything life has thrown at him."

"Only because I had you at my side."

"Now you give me too much credit."

"You give yourself too little." He corrected her and gave her a kiss. "Your support means much to me, always has. Not to mention that without your insistence, your parents would have never allowed me to marry you." It was not like his parents in law didn't like him; Kozmotis had been an orphan, his father having died in battle, and his mother at childbirth, a reason why he felt so concerned for his own wife. The Sagittarius family, having close ties to the Pitchiner, had taken care of him as a child, and had made sure the Pitchiner properties were conveyed to him, when he came of age. The only thing they had against the marriage was that there had been nothing for them to gain politically. Both Amina and Lykos however had been very persistence, and in the end their parents had yielded.

She chuckled, such a lovely sound in the dark, and softly placed a kiss on his cheek. "Try to sleep, love. You've earned it."

Kozmotis laid back and made himself comfortable, Amina half resting on his chest. Soon, her steady breathing told him that she'd fallen asleep again. For a while his mind was restless, processing the nightmare, but he was too exhausted and before long drifted back into a blissfully dreamless sleep.

A couple of days passed, and Kozmotis had diverted much time to studying the charts from the Atlantian library. They concerned the uninhabited islands and sea currents within the Atlantian realm, the latter Kozmotis was already well acquainted with. Amina was well within her right when she claimed that Atlantis was the safest place to be; thanks to the numerous islands and reefs, the kingdom was a labyrinth for any sailor, and only someone who knew about the sometimes strong as well as dangerous currents could safely navigate between islands. This labyrinth was one of the reasons why no nation had ever dared so far to attack the kingdom itself, but only outposts on the continent or merchant ships. The currents also dictated certain routes, which meant that sometimes even if two islands where close to each other, one would have to take a detour or even travel over a third island entirely, when trying to get from the one to the other.

Kozmotis had made himself comfortable in his own study at home, a room which walls were painted with the shapes of twines in brown and orange, lined with shelves full of scrolls and except for some chairs was devoid of all furniture. While one door led back into the villa, a pair of wooden double doors led to a semi-circular balcony, giving a wonderful view from the cliff over the ocean. Right now the balcony doors were open, and white curtains moved gently in the wind. When looking straight down from the balustrade, one would look at a small bay about fifty meters below, where the water broke against the rocks. To the left a staircase ran down to said bay, where the coastline leveled with the sea surface.

"Still haven't found anything?"

Kozmotis looked up from one of his scrolls to Amina, who was sitting in one of the other chairs, attending to one of her favorite hobbies, drawing with coal. Every time she did, her fingers, sometimes her entire hands would turn black, and just for the fun of it, she'd pat his face with them. More than once her drawing sessions ended up with him having hand shaped prints on his jaw or cheek. "Several candidates, but I'm only half way through. Suddenly I wish our realm would be smaller." Amina chuckled, and turned back to her drawing. "What are you drawing this time?"

"You know I only show, when it's done."

He shrugged and turned back to his reading material. Soon again however he was interrupted as one of his guards entered the room. The man in leather armor over green clothing, bowed briefly, before stating his matter. "Lord Pitch; a delegation is waiting for you in the atrium."

Kozmotis lay aside his scroll. "Of what house?"

"The Council, Milord."

He looked over to Amina, who seemed equally surprised as she cleaned her hands from the coal. "What have you done?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Why do you always assume I've done something?" He asked her as he stood up.

"Experience." She replied, but with that smile he couldn't be mad at her.

Instead he offered her his hand. "Why don't you join me, and we'll find out together."

"Gladly."

Amina took the hand, and together they followed the guard upstairs. The atrium itself was just behind the front portal, a square court from which the enclosed rooms led off, as well as the additional wing of the villa, where the guards and servants with their families lived. Small trees had been planted along its borders at the bases of the ceiling supporting pillars, while the floor was covered with sand colored pea gravel. Five men in golden armor stood there waiting, two holding banners with the Atlantian sigil upon them, while the one in front held a scroll. As soon as Kozmotis and Amina walked into the Atrium, the latter took his helmet off, the white, horse hair brass swaying back and forth, signifying him as the captain.

Kozmotis spread his arms in a welcoming gesture. "It is an honor to welcome the Council Guard in my home. What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

The captain offered him the scroll, and as soon as Kozmotis had taken it spoke. "Lord Kozmotis Pitchiner: it is my great privilege to inform you that the Council of Atlantis bestows upon you, the honorable title of High General of the Seas, Lord of the Golden Fleet, and Great Protector of Atlantis."

The entire delegation kneeled before him, while Kozmotis could only stare at the herald in utter disbelieve, and Amina had covered her mouth with her fingers, her jaw having dropped just a bit. His mouth suddenly felt completely dry, as he slowly opened the scroll. Every word he'd just been told stood there in beautiful calligraphy, along with the oath each High General had to reside at the public appointment ceremony.

"Do you accept the title, and all duties and privileges it implies?"

He needed to swallow before he could speak again. "I accept them."

"Then the ceremony will be held on the next full moon, in four days." The captain rose again, and with a gesture signified two more of his men to enter, carrying a chest between them; upon the wood had been carved the Atlantian Tree, flanked by two shying horses. They placed it next to their captain, bowed and stepped back again. "This chest contains the accoutrement you'll be expected to wear on that day, my Lord. Blessings of the divine upon you."

"And upon you, captain."

With another bow to him and Amina, the Golden Guard left again. Both Pitchiners remained standing still in the Atrium, looking after them, somewhat baffled by recent events. Slowly Kozmotis turned to his wife. It took a few moments before astonishment disappeared from her expression.

"Not what we expected?" She asked at an easy rate.

"Frankly among the last." He admitted, then addressed his guard, who'd been standing close by. "Have the chest taken to our bedroom."

"Right away, Lord Pitch."

As soon as the guard exited the atrium, Kozmotis took Amina by the hand and led her downstairs, back to the study. After closing the door behind him, he then rushed to his wife, standing close to the chairs at the center. He picked her up to spin them around, her beautiful laughter filling the room. When he stopped, Amina lowered her head, and they kissed deeply, her legs now wrapped around his waist.

"This is wonderful, Kozmo." She breathed, her hands framing his face.

"And I was almost certain they'd appointed Nereus."

"How is that?"

He let her down on her own feet again, keeping his hands at her hips however. "The Archmages; I talked with them right after the election. I mentioned that it would be beneficial if Nereus was to become the next High General, as he has seen the shadows same as me. The way they look at each other after I said it made me sure he'd been chosen."

Amina placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Well, I think this is even better."

"It also explains why they asked me, if I'd ever considered the rank for myself."

"Were they satisfied with your answer?"

Gently he rested his forehead against hers. "Haven't I just proven how terrible I am in reading their intentions?" Kozmotis asked her smiling. "To be honest I think if anything they spoke in my favor before the council; both belonged to the few, who believed our report from the beginning."

"So now you have the support of the guild, and the mightiest military machine of our age behind you. I very much think it is now the shadows, which are not prepared."

Now it was his turn to laugh, and then kissed her again. What doubt and fear had plagued him over the previous days, it was now gone without a trace in this blissful moment.

It was the day of the full moon, and Kozmotis had put on the accoutrement he'd been given. First it was very basic, with light black trousers and a long-sleeved black shirt. The almost knee-high leather boots were also black, but with some golden embroidery, and the sleeves were tucked into forearm guards made of a silver metal, and painted over with a dull green enamel. Of course there was the tree upon them again. Kozmotis put on a green jacket, which almost went to his knees, and had short sleeves as far as the deltoid, the upper most muscle of the arm, ending shortly beneath the axle. At last he put on a sort of collar, reminiscent of Egyptian collars, covering his upper chest and shoulders, but made of stripes of white cloth and going halfway up his neck. It was bordered black, and like the boots with golden embodiment, while at the back it ended in a long, white cloak but without such a border. The sun was coming up in the east, and it was time to depart for the capital.

That day it seemed that all of Atlantis had shown up, people lining the street from the northern city gate to the temple in the very center. The Golden Guard was holding off the crowd, each soldier holding a spear in one hand, and an oval shaped shield in the other. Cheering followed Kozmotis the entire way to the temple, as he rode with Amina at his side, her dress mirroring his colors, and his personal guard behind him, some holding the green banner with the sigil of his house. Today however, he saw it all across the city as well; the black horse on a green ground. Already something about this day didn't feel quite real, as if reality had taken a step back.

The streets of Atlantis were made of white lime stone and black basalt, creating floral-pattern mosaics, and well cut trees lined them, green patches everywhere between the majority of white buildings. Ropes had been tautened from one to the other, and across the streets, colorful lanterns fastened to them.

In Atlantis' heart stood the Temples of the divines, devoted to any deity or spirit the people believed in. It was a massive building, its main structure oblong, and build with sand-colored stone, ending with a giant dome at the far side of the entry. Kozmotis and Amina dismounted, and a servant of the priesthood took care of their horses. He offered an arm to his wife, and she placed her hand on his forearm.

They climbed the wide staircase that led to the temple portals, which were together about six meters wide and ten high. If the portals had been closed, one could have gazed upon beautiful ornaments, two griffins made of golden plates, every feather added with great care and an eye for detail. They sat on their hind legs, each having a paw lifted towards the other, almost touching where the doors would meet. The interior was no less impressive, and had earned its name "Hall of a hundred columns". The ceiling was supported by one hundred columns, which reached twenty meters high, their capitals shaped like various animals, lions, bulls and eagles among the most common, all made of dark wood, and so even with the many windows close to the ceiling it was rather dark. Most of the light flooded in through the entry behind Kozmotis, making him and Amina throw long shadows on the floor.

The path from the entry to the altar, which stood at the top of another smaller staircase so it could be seen from everywhere, was covered with a white carpet, lined with golden embroidery. The marble altar was also standing beneath the dome, where the interior of the temple was not made of wood, but stone, while behind it were standing three pedestals. On two of them basins had been placed, about two meters in diameter, carved out of red granite. In them two flames burned, for three years as it was customary, lightened by the kings when they took office, while the third basin stood on the altar, waiting for Kozmotis to light it at the end of the ceremony.

The temple was crowded with people, mostly members of noble houses like the Constellations, but also wealthy merchants and sages. The higher their rank and status, the further in front they stood, all trying to outdo one another with colorful vestments. Kozmotis walked through the hall, Amina still having a hand placed on his arm, feeling every eye tracking him. It was quite unnerving, and so he focused his own straight ahead. Three men awaited him at the top of the stairs, the two kings, Lord Myron Solar and Lord Sappho Pisces, along with one of the Archpriests. Both kings were dressed in togas, each in the colors of their house, Solar in white, yellow and gold, Pisces in blue, green and silver. The Archpriest's toga was more subtle in white with a broad purple stripe on its border.

Amina took her place at the base of the stairs, while Kozmotis ascended only stopping at the second to last step. Silence fell over the hall.

"People of Atlantis!" Lord Solar spoke, his voice resounding in the entire hall, for all to hear. A broad smile played on his lips, his arms raised and spread widely, as if he wanted to embrace everyone within these sacred walls. "We have gathered here to pass the duties of High Generals into new hands. Today we entrust our realm and lives to a man, who has proven himself worthy of such responsibilities. For the first time in our history, the title will not go the Constellations, for we must honor our own vows and traditions. We must honor that we once swore to choose the best among our people, and so we have done." He turned to Kozmotis, and lowered his arms. "Kneel."

Kozmotis got down on his right knee, and placed the right fist on his chest atop of his heart, the other hand resting in his left thigh.

After taking a deep breath, Solar spoke anew. "Do you, Lord Kozmotis Pitchiner, swear to uphold the laws of Atlantis?"

"I swear, for no one is above the law."

"To protect her people, from all threats, and put their safety above all selfish ambition?"

"I, Lord Kozmotis of the house Pitchiner swear to be victorious in war and vigilant in peace. I swear to protect Atlantis and her people, if need be with my life, so no harm may come upon them, as long as I draw breath."

"Then rise, as High General of the Seas, Lord of the Golden Fleet, and Great Protector of Atlantis!"

Even as he rose, the hall behind him broke out in jubilation, to an almost deafening degree. Kozmotis couldn't help but feel proud, almost light-headed. Not in his wildest dreams had he imagined such a moment.

Lord Pisces offered him his new weapon of office, a scimitar, the blade itself emerging from two horse heads, which back to back formed the upper part of the hilt. The scabbard was white with silver dress plates. "May this sword help you defend the righteous and slay the wicked."

Kozmotis took the weapon, and drew it, seeing that on the blade a few lines had been engraved: In War Victory, and on the other side, In Peace Vigilance. He smiled and put it back, before he fastened it at his side with the attached white belt.

"Light the flame, so it may burn until your duties end." Solar explained, and gave him a small torch.

With it, Kozmotis climbed the last stair to the altar, and then threw it into the basin. Instantly a tall flame rose, flickering briefly before stabilizing. The Archpriest then added a powder, and for a few seconds the flame turned yellow with green sparks. In this small timeframe, the old man spoke his words of blessing. "Blessings of the divine upon you, High General. May they favor you in battle, and the winds and currents your ships. Long may you protect us."

"Never shall I fail in my duties." Kozmotis replied, according to tradition. Now, for the first time, three of the most powerful men in the realm bowed before him. This was a day, he'd never forget.

...

The following celebration lasted the entire day and through the night, the streets illuminated by fires and the colorful lanterns. Much laughter and singing could be heard, plenty of food and wine consumed, though Kozmotis was kept busy by all who wished to talk with him, among them Nereus. Captain Scorpio was dressed in bronze and black, a thoughtful look on his face. "Now this," He began. "Is something I did not expect."

"I still only half-believe it myself."

"And there I thought we efficiently jeopardize our reputation. So, you've talked with the wizards? I assume you're still holding on to your prison idea." He asked with a questioning look on his face.

"Yes, I rather have it and not need it, just in case." Kozmotis' tone made it clear he was unyielding in that matter.

"Not the worst policy. Certainly better than anything Amyntas Leo would have come up with. He'd have us search the open sea for their hideout until we starve."

"I thought we were not to speak ill of the dead?"

Nereus lifted a corner of his mouth. "Maybe I had a little too much wine."

Kozmotis looked at the goblet, filled to the rim. "Yes, of course." He added with a knowing smile.

Nereus's expression then turned serious and rather grim, it even seemed as if some color left his face. "Actually I came to tell you something important. Just this morning we received a bird from the outer islands; they have spotted black ships."

"Why wasn't I told?" His formerly good mood was washed away by sudden anger.

"The Ceremony. To these politicians that's priority, and before you think of doing anything now, you may want to remember that everyone is getting wasted as we speak. I advise you to call for your captains tomorrow, when their heads are a little clearer."

"What island sent the message?"

"Hesperos. They claimed the ships came from the north-west."

"The currents are going to force them south-east to Callias and then Elpis. Thank you, Nereus."

He bowed his head. "My pleasure; besides now I'm your subordinate."

Kozmotis frowned at those last words, considering how much 'advise' Nereus had given him. "You might want to try at being more convincing at it."

"Apologies, I will try harder in the future." The slightly sarcastic undertone was not lost to Pitchiner.

"Good to know." He said regardless. "If you excuse me, I have to find Archmage Shalazar."

Ombric decided that he didn't enjoy travelling by ship; the constant rocking by the waves, the salty smell of the wood, and living among men who couldn't properly wash themselves for days. At least he'd been given one of the two cabins onboard the High General's trireme. Right now he was trying to create a rune pattern for the eventual prison, something he had already started with Trismegistus, which ought to hold the shadows indefinitely. There was a knock at his door, and the newly promoted High General Pitchiner entered, wearing similar attire as at the ceremony, though the jacket had been replaced by one made of leather stripes.

"I hope I am not interrupting, Archmage. But we will soon arrive at Callias."

Ombric turned his chair around and offered the other in his cabin to his Lordship. "Not at all." The wizard assured him. "And I have given much thought to the nature of these Dream Pirates. I think we can safely assume there can only be a limited number of these shadows."

"How so?" Pitchiner asked leaning back in his chair, placing one hand against his chin.

"Well, for one thing, people can only be afraid of so many things, and it would take a great amount of fear, a strong believe in it, to create something substantial. An individual fear of one person, of let's say another who wants him harm, is too weak, other than something like the fear of death, which is universal."

"So when enough people share a certain fear, the give it form." The High General concluded.

With a smile Ombric nodded. "Essentially, yes. It is quite similar to magic, where the focused thought and will allow us to manipulate our surroundings, while with the shadows it is emotions."

"Which would also mean we're correctly assuming that killing them will not be permanent."

"Indeed. I have meant to ask, Lord Pitch; we received the message from Hesperos almost a week ago, can we still make it in time to Callias?"

"We can only hope, I'm afraid."

...

Ash rose from around his feet, whenever he put them back on the ground. Mournful, Ombric Shalazar looked around him, his gaze wandering over the burned out ruins of houses, the white stone, turned grey and black, occasionally painted with sprayed blood. Trembling he stopped at the agora; it seemed most of the citizens had fled here. Countless bodies lay here together, all these people having been killed as they cowered in fear, mothers holding their children in the vain effort of keeping them safe.

Captain Scorpio walked past him, his face grim, angry even and he knelt next to a young woman with her son and daughter in her arms. Faintly, he could hear the captain whispering a prayer.

"Horrible, isn't it?" Ombric saw over to Lord Pitch, who now stood beside him, the expression in his face shaped by great sorrow, yet is voice remained clear.

"All my life I have spent on Atlantis, kept busy with my studies. Never before have I seen a battlefield for myself."

"This is not a battlefield." Pitchiner corrected him, his fists clenched, nostrils flaring. "What happened here was a slaughter of defenseless citizens, and I fear they have not been the last. We need to get to Elpis as fast as possible."

Scorpio stood up again, and turned to the High General. "With all due respect, Lord Pitch, but even if we follow them now, the island might already be destroyed by the time we get there. We should warn close by islands, and prepare a defense there."

Scorpio was rendered silent by an icy look from his superior. "And leave Elpis to it fate? No, while we'll send out warnings, you will bring the ships to Elpis with all speed. I will take the Anicetus route with my own."

"Milord, your ship will be destroyed by the reefs…"

"That's why I will take only my ship, captain. What happened here is not going to happen to Elpis." Kozmotis then addressed Ombric. "Archmage, it would be your decision if you want to stay on my ship or travel with captain Scorpio."

"If your ship is really the only one still capable of making it in time, I will stay with you, Lord Pitch."

Pitchiner nodded, while Scorpio looked displeased; he probably now considered them both crazy. Even though he'd never travelled before, Ombric had heard of this infamous current, Anicetus, responsible for destroying many ships. Not even a handful had ever made it through, and while it was charted now, trying to navigate past the underwater reefs was still dangerous, so it was never used. This time at least it did seem worth the risk.

...

A few hours later Shalazar was regretting his decision. The currents speeded them up, and Lord Pitch's steering almost threw him from one side of the ship to the other. Not a few sailors had tied themselves to their posts, and the wizard was tempted to do the same, though for now he was clinging to the railing. Suddenly the ship seemed to stay on its side, and Kozmotis threw the helm around, causing the vessel to fall back. Ombric spat out saltwater. The damn taste wouldn't leave his tongue for hours. The High General had relieved the helmsman for this route, and was among the handful still on their feet. He actually appeared to be enjoying this, an excited grin on his face, and unshaken determination in his eyes; it was rather unnerving, but as long as he got them through safely. By the divines, how long would that take?

Abruptly the ship was shaken, and Ombric's heart sank when someone scream they were hit. The joy left the General's face, and he ordered to close the leakage. Ombric staggered up to the helm. "How far is it?" He called, over the deafening sound of the current and crashing waves.

"Not far." Lord Pitch answered him, throwing the helm around once more, and the wizard fought for his footing, but the wet floor was not making it easy. "It should only be a few more miles."

After what felt like an eternity the ship slowed down. Carefully looking over the railing, Ombric saw that the waves had calmed down, and he sighed in relive.

"That wasn't so bad." Lord Pitch said, though he had broken a sweat.

"Let's not try that again shall we?" The wizard replied, before looking over to a landmass in the distance. Already he could make out buildings, and thankfully there was no smoke like on Callias. "It would seem we are first to arrive."

"The Dream Pirates will be here shortly, I'm sure. We won't have long to prepare a defense."

...

The sun was painting the sky deep red and the few clouds orange that evening. News of the coming black ships had reached Elpis some time ago, and most of those with ships at their disposal had fled, while the remaining citizens were now stranded at their own homes. Windows had been barricaded, some abandoned houses looted, others even trying to steal from those who were still there; the fear was driving the people against each other. Kozmotis however still received a warm welcome, the sight of Atlantis' greatest warship giving them hope, despite two black ships closing in from the north.

For the battle, Kozmotis had divided his men, half with his new first officer on the ship to keep one pirate vessel from reaching the island, the other half on land, where he and the Archmage had taken position. Ombric was making his own preparation on the broad stony coastline, burning symbols into the rock in a wide circle around him with his staff. Suspicious, the soldier had all backed off, leaving Kozmotis alone with the wizard.

"May I ask what this is?"

"A spell, actually a variation of one we plan to use for the prison, though this is meant to be lethal." Ombric explained, finishing off the last rune.

"Should we stay back?" He asked worried, seeing them glow ever so dimly.

"It shouldn't hurt, anything but the shadows."

This was hardly reassuring. "Shouldn't?"

The mage seemed however confident, and spoke calmly. "There is always room for errors, but I didn't become Archmage without knowing how to avoid or minimize them."

Kozmotis decided that it would be better to leave some space between him and the circle. Then they waited. It was only a few minutes, but they felt like hours. His men had formed orderly lines behind their General, as they watched the Atlantian ship engaged the enemy, yet Kozmotis was confident his men would prevail. Most onboard had already fought the Dream Pirates, and knew what they had to expect. The second black ship ignored the Atlantians however, keeping its course. It had almost reached the island, and like before, no one could be seen on deck. Kozmotis drew his sword, and heard hundred more behind him. Only a few meters separated the dark vessel from land.

Out of a man's shadow to his left, Kozmotis saw a fearling jumping up, blade piercing through the soldier's chest. More and more reached the island by the same means, everywhere blades clashed against blades. Kozmotis' sword went right through a shadow, before it had completely manifested, just when the ship itself arrive. Only now the main force launched its attack. It was unnerving how silent they were, no rustling of armor or weapons, not even steps could be heard, when more than a hundred Dream Pirates stormed the island. Mere seconds later, Kozmotis found himself in the thick of battle, his silver blade cutting to the humanoid shapes with ease. The fearlings fought more like animals, no tactic just throwing themselves at their foes.

The General had briefly glanced over to Ombric, whose rune circle was glowing brightly, a halo of foggy light moving around him. Whenever a shadow came near him, the wizard lashed out with his staff, and the halo would follow and stretch out, until it hit its target, dispersing it. Suddenly there were screams from the town behind them. Some fearlings must have gone through, jumping from shadow to shadow.

The wizard looked over to Kozmotis, who nodded, before having to turn his attention back to the fight, another Pirate going for his throat with a black saber. From the corner of his eyes the General could see Ombric make for the town, the halo no longer around him, as it was likely bound to the runes upon the stone. Just before impact, Kozmotis stopped the saber from splitting his skull.

"Human, do you remember me?" The shadow hissed amused.

"Should I?" Kozmotis snarled back, pushing its blade aside, then quickly slashing out but missing by mere inches.

It attacked again, and they locked blades, his face now close to the shifting, clean black surface of the Nightmare Man's oval head. It was chilling. "You questioned me, right before the other human ordered the destruction of my flesh." The only facial feature, its white eyes, lit up for just a second.

Kozmotis had too much adrenaline rushing through his veins, as to be bothered by this revelation. He had already assumed the shadow from back then still existed. "You cannot be killed, am I right?"

"Not forever, little human. Not as long as you fear; and there will always be fear." It seemed to relish the thought.

"Your attacks against us will never succeed."

"Won't they? They word is spreading, even now. We can feel the fear in the air. It grows with each day."

A grim smile formed on Kozmotis lips. "Not when I give word of your defeat, Shadow."

"Meaningless." It hissed. "We do not die, we do not age, we only return."

"Take your time with that." With one clean cut, he split the Dream Pirate in two. Even while it faded, he could have sworn he heard cruel laughter, faint but vicious like in his nightmare weeks ago.

...

The Dream Pirates were defeated before the last light of day was gone. Once more their ships faded away, after the last was destroyed. Ombric himself had hunted down those that had escaped into the town, and caused panic among the people. Thankfully there had only been a handful of casualties, and Ombric had his specimen for examination. Despite inferior numbers, Kozmotis' own force was mostly intact, though everyone had suffered injuries, most had received them in the first seconds of battle, when the shadows had the advantage of surprise on their side.

An hour after the battle, the five remaining ships of his fleet finally arrived. Nereus seemed surprised but relieved to see Kozmotis, being particularly appreciative that Elpis had been saved. The people themselves couldn't have been more grateful, taking care of the wounded, and offering more food than the soldiers could consume. Some presented them with gifts, mostly jewels and valuable spices, imported from all over the world, all which Kozmotis refused to accept as politely as he could. Most baffling to him however had been an incident, where a woman had thrown herself to her knees before him, taken his hand and kissed it, thanking him with tears in eyes.

For two days they stayed, giving the men time to rest, and Ombric to test spells on the prisoner, until Kozmotis sent the fleet to return to their harbors, Nereus returning to Atlantis to give an early report, while Pitchiner and Shalazar would continue to visit an uninhabited island, one which seemed suitable to house imprisoned shadows.

There was no question as to why this small island had remained deserted for so long. It was basically a single mountain that rose from the sea, the little vegetation there was were crippled trees and patches of grass. One could probably walk around the island in about one to two hours. There was a headland, ideal for docking with ships though.

"Dismal place, isn't it?" Ombric said, letting his gaze wander over the island.

Seeing as the future inmates claimed to be fear itself, they probably appreciated a place like this. "I don't think our prisoners will mind." Kozmotis noted.

"Given that the caverns are still here."

"Time to find out."

Kozmotis and Ombric led a small party, following a natural path up the mountain. About a hundred and fifty meters above sea level there was a broad plateau, from which they could overlook half the island and down to the coast, where ships lay at anchor. And in the mountain was a wide opening. It was almost fifteen meters high and thirty broad, leading deep into the stone. The men lightened several torches, while Ombric pulled out a small crystal, which started glowing in a soft white, after he'd mumbled a few words. The cavern was filled with stalactites and stalagmites, the dipping of water coming from all sides, the more the further they went. The cavern slowly turned into a tunnel with twists and turns for about five hundred meters, before it simply ended with a solid stone wall, which the water had washed smooth. At this point the tunnel had shrunken to such scale that Kozmotis had needed to crouch. Nowhere along the way had other tunnels deviated from the cavern.

Once they returned to the more hall-like part, the General turned to Ombric. "Will it suffice?"

"If anything the space is gracious. However, I would put a wall where the cave begins to narrow. The runes I will use must be close enough so they can create an impenetrable barrier. If I put some at the end of the tunnel the barrier will be too far stretched and weakened."

"That would make to prison roughly about two hundred meters long, fifteen high and thirty broad. Plus housing at the front for guards."

"With the runes, no guards will be required; the shadows won't be able to touch the walls from within or without. Even if they tried to free those imprisoned here, they could not open the door."

"What about the cracks? The water must be coming from somewhere."

"As long as I put the runes close enough to each other it won't matter. Only a wide opening like the entry itself or a door would disturb the integrity."

"And how do we get them in, if we can't even open a door."

"Any sage with the proper knowledge can cast the shadows into the prison, and keep the barrier intact while the door is opened. Since at least one sage will accompany each ship anyway, that shouldn't be a problem." He smiled reassuring at the General. "Worry not, Lord Pitch. Trismegistus and I have accounted for everything; I corrected the few uncertainties we had, after I examined the Dream Pirate, and we will go over the incantations again upon my return. As long as you build the prison, we can make it last."

Kozmotis nodded; he had to trust the Archmages and the guild. Without them this prison would be useless, and the shadows would haunt this world possibly forever.

The following months remained surprisingly peaceful. Perhaps following their defeats, the Dream Pirates laid low to plan their next offensive, now that there was actual resistance they could not simple overrun by causing fear and panic. Only occasionally fishermen reported seeing black ships on the horizon, or went missing without a trace, and merchants told about raided villages along the main land's coast. It was estimated that over sixty hamlets and towns had been destroyed, and so even though Kozmotis was thankful for the temporary peace the kingdom enjoyed, he felt for the innocent that had been slaughtered. He'd like nothing better than to put a stop to the Shadow Pirates pillaging, but he needed the prison to be finished.

Finally, three months after his initial visit to the prison island, Kozmotis stood again on the plateau, but instead of a natural cavern he looked upon a front of grey marble. The front building had a rather flat gabled roof, the supporting columns kept lean and simple. A pair of heavy double doors bared the way inside, made of cold grey steel, and the Atlantian Tree upon it. The inside was very basic as well. A table with two benches, a small shelf with scrolls, another for comestible goods, the latter close to a fireplace. There was a door to the right, leading to the bedroom. Kozmotis' eyes however were fixed on the steel door straight ahead. It really looked like a simple door, except for the engraved pentagram; a protective and sacred symbol for longer than any sage could remember. In the circle surrounding the star, several runes had been engraved, and if one looked closely enough they actually glowed dimly.

"The enchantments will last for centuries." Ombric spoke, breaking the silence. "But we will make at least annual revisals to make sure nothing escapes."

"You have my gratitude, and that of Atlantis, Archmages." Both Trismegistus and Ombric bowed. "May this prison help us end the threat of shadows, not just for us, but for all who have suffered under their terror."

Captain Aries spoke up. "Does this mean we'll go into the offensive?"

"And go where?" Pitchiner asked in return, rendering the captain mute. "Without knowing where they're from, other than the open sea, unfortunately all we can do is wait for them to come to us, which they will. Whenever you encounter them in the future, make sure to take as many prisoners as possible, and bring them here without delay."

The present captains saluted. "By your orders, High General."

The hawk had barely taken to the skies, when Kozmotis rushed down the tower again. In this crucial time he'd wanted to stay on Atlantis if at all possible, and he trusted his captains in holding off the Dream Pirates' attacks for a while without him, especially as their frequency had lessened greatly. The priestesses had been in his house for a few days now, standing ready for when the time came. Which it had today; he was going to be a father. His feelings were a mix of happiness, excitement and great concern, even a touch of fear he admitted to himself, as he made his way back to his wife. He was stopped at the door o his own bedroom by one of the priestesses, wearing a sleeveless, long white robe.

"I'm sorry, Milord. But I must ask you to remain outside; a man is not allowed to be around a woman while she gives birth."

Kozmotis had never been a religious man, and Amina was certainly not a religious woman; she was far too skeptical. Had the Archpriest himself not sent these two sisters to act as midwives, Kozmotis probably would have thrown them out at this point. This custom was ridiculous, but some god at some point had apparently decided that only women could be around women at birth. It led Kozmotis to the assumption that the priest, or whoever had writing this down, had been a man with weak nerves or hadn't liked getting his hands dirty, so needing a reason to have a sister do his work for him.

Despite wanting to protest, Lord Pitchiner complied. "Then I'll be waiting here."

...

For hours Kozmotis paced in front of the bedroom on the first floor. Behind them, Amina laid in labors, and he had listened to her cries all this time. It irked him that all he could do was to wait and hope for the best, to trust into the abilities of the priestesses. At dusk Lykos, who had been the recipient of the hawk, finally arrived, and he rushed up the staircase, almost tripping over his own feet.

"Am I too late?" He gasped out of breath.

Kozmotis reply was rather unjoyous. "Seeing as I'm still out here, what do you think?"

"Sorry. You seem a little on the edge."

"If you had been out here, and had to listen to your beloved crying in pain for hours, you'd be a little tense yourself." Kozmotis snapped, harsher than intended, but then took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm sorry." He added a lot calmer.

Lykos lifted his and, as if to stop him. "Don't mention it."

"I suppose your parents won't be joining us?" It wasn't really a question, if he was honest.

"No; they expect that you will present them their grandchild." Kozmotis rolled his eyes and turned back to the door, rubbing his cold hands. Just a few seconds later Amina screamed particularly loud, making her husband cringe, and her brother clench his fists. "How long has this been going on?"

"Almost six hours." Kozmotis told him grimly. He had to fight himself not to storm through the door, though every fiber of his body wanted him too. His muscles felt tense, as if he was in battle.

Lykos put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You must calm down; the priestesses are by her side, and they know what they're doing."

"Still, I hate to be kept outside. I should be there for her."

"Lord Pitch: High General of the Seas, Plight of shadows…and his greatest concern is holding his wife's hand."

"Would you rather have me not care for Amina?"

"Far from it…I was merely joking. Unsuccessfully, as it seems."

"No argument." Both turned their heads and froze at a new sound; the cries of a baby. Kozmotis mouth had gone completely dry, his heart having jumped to his throat. The next few minutes seemed to last forever, before finally the door opened.

One of the priestesses stepped out and bowed with a warm, but tired smile on her aged face. "My Lord; your wife and child await you."

For a brief moment Kozmotis hesitated despite himself, but then rushed through the door. Amina had been brought to the bed, where she now laid, sitting upright with her back against a pillow. She looked exhausted but happy, her cheeks blushed, and smiling even before she saw him. In her arms, Amina was holding a small bundle. He slowed down once he'd reached the bed, and as the second priestess stepped aside, sat down next his beloved.

"Would you like to hold your daughter?"

Very slowly and carefully he took the bundle into his arms, his eyes fixed on the small round face of his baby girl. Her tiny fists, which she was holding just underneath her chin, were clenched. Kozmotis smiled at her softly as he cradled her, and allowed himself to lean against the same pillow as his wife. The child looked up at them, with something he could only describe as confusion. When Kozmotis touched one of her tiny fists with a finger, she immediately grabbed it, holding on to it tightly. He chuckled amused, and Amina laid her head against his shoulder. "Beautiful, isn't she?"

"Gorgeous." He whispered back, not taking his eyes off his daughter. "Our Aemilia Ioanna."

"Quite a long name we've chosen."

"Well, we can always use the abbreviation." Kozmotis reminded her. "Emily."

Authors Note:

Characters from the original books: Kozmotis Pitchiner, Lady (Amina) Pitchiner, Emily Jane Pitchiner, Ombric Shalazar, Tsar Lunar, Dream Pirates/Fearlings/Nightmare Men

Translations/Names:

Emily's name: In the book the daughter of Pitch is called Emily Jane, and as I was writing I've noticed that between all my Greek inspired names, an English one just stands out. So not wanting to actually change the name, I looked for different versions, or the origins, and turns out there is a Roman version for Emily=Aemilia and an ancient Greek for Jane=Ioanna. In future chapters, people other than her parents will almost exclusively call her by those. In future stories, which will concern the other Guardians, I will more and more use Emily Jane, as we approach modern times.

Trismegistus: Inspired by the likely fictional Egyptian sage Hermes Trismegistus, who was the purported author a series of sacred texts that are the basis of Hermeticism, and had a great influence on western mysticism.

Anicetus =unconquerable

Elpis=hope